Mountain ecosystems cover about one-quarter of the Earth’s surface and support a diverse range of living organisms: humans, animals and plants. Moreover, mountains provide essential ecosystem services (water, biodiversity, climate modulation, and carbon storage) as well as useful products (food, medicine, non-timber forest products, and building materials). Mountains also serve as the world’s water towers. It is estimated that about two-thirds of the fresh water that sustains humanity originates from mountain and upland areas. More than half the world’s population depends directly or indirectly on mountain resources and services.
Publication year
2017
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
ecosystem services, incentive
Geographic
Nepal, Pakistan
